River House by Atelier Daniel Florez: Maritime Heritage Meets Modern Beach Lifestyle

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Modern counterpoint house with distinctive blue facade and unique curved roof design, featuring wooden accents and an eco-friendly rooftop garden demonstrating innovative architecture and sustainable building practices

In the coastal village of Sagá, Brazil, River House by Atelier Daniel Florez reinterprets contemporary beach architecture through poetic references to marine traditions that shaped the region. Completed in 2021, this 3982-square-foot project consists of two paired beach houses designed for longevity, rooted in history yet expressed with a modern sensibility.

Honoring Maritime Traditions

The design pays homage to shipbuilders who once constructed baroque cathedrals throughout northeastern Brazil, applying their navigational carpentry skills to monumental architecture. Centuries later, River House revives this spirit through wave-like wooden forms reminiscent of surrounding dunes and ocean rhythms.

Conceptually, the houses are built like inverted ships, with laminated wooden ribs secured to a central concrete gutter, always visible as both structural and symbolic axis. Inside, curved bamboo and wooden beams create cozy spaces reminiscent of ship hulls, enhanced by mast-shaped columns, round windows, and a fish-scale patterned floor.

The 22-Meter Gutter: A Functional Sculptural Work

An outstanding feature is the 22-meter concrete gutter clad in blue ceramic tiles, channeling rainwater from the roof to irrigate plants on the rear facade. This living wall provides natural shading and cooling, mitigating the impact of bright evening sunlight while enhancing the project's ecological efficiency.

The gutter functions both as a functional system and an architectural act—uniting water, landscape, and structure in one expression.

Dialogue with the Landscape

The paired houses harmoniously integrate into the coastal village of Sagá, surrounded by homes with ceramic-tiled roofs. The double facade system and dual wooden-tile roof minimize environmental impact, while the wooden curves resonate with moving dunes and smooth ocean geometry.

Interiors with Navigational Sensuality

Inside the residences, warm wood, bamboo, and blue tones evoke the mystery and sensuality of the ocean. Sculptural beams and gentle curves create intimate spaces, while natural ventilation and light enhance comfort in a tropical climate.

Contemporary Celebration

Merging heritage and innovation, River House is both a tribute to ancient seafaring architects and a modern statement on ecological sensitivity. Its design demonstrates how architecture can embody memory, landscape, and sustainability, creating a home that is poetic yet functional.

Photo © Maíra Acaya, Juan Gomes River House by Atelier Daniel Florez: Maritime Heritage Meets Modern Beach Lifestyle